RWA overcharging for power: Residents

According to the set rule, DHBVN supplies electricity to the single point supply connection in the township and charges the RWA or maintenance company for the bulk supply, instead of charging each household in the societyTNN | July 23, 2016, 14:22 IST

Gurgaon: Residents of Park View Residency, a residential township in Palam Vihar, have filed a complaint with the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) against the township's RWA, alleging it is charging more power tariff than prescribed by the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN ).

The township has a single point supply connection under bulk supply. According to the set rule, DHBVN supplies electricity to the single point supply connection in the township and charges the RWA or maintenance company for the bulk supply, instead of charging each household in the society.

DHBVN charges Rs 4.5 per unit for unit consumption of less than 500, Rs 5.50 for consumption between 500 and 800 units and Rs 6.50 for consumption above 800 units. However, residents alleged they have been charged at different rates and it varies every month.

Rachit Garg, a resident and one of the complainants, alleged, "The RWA buys electricity from DHBVN at a standard rate and sells the same electricity to residents at a higher price. For instance, in my last month's bill, I was charged Rs 7.5 per unit despite my consumption being less than 500 units. Also, the charges per unit keep fluctuating every month." He added the problem started after the RWA took over from the developer in 2014.

Residents also alleged they are charged service tax on the electricity bill.

RWA, on the other hand, refuted the allegations. S C Kumar, president, RWA, said, "After a few residents raised an issue, we started publishing on the back of the electricity bill how the bill is calculated."

When contacted, a DHBVN official said, "We get several complaints from residents alleging the developer or the RWA is charging more in the name of taxes and charges for maintenance of common area electricity. However, according to the law, it can't be done."